Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Al Kadhimiya Mosque

What is a mosque?

A mosque is a place of worship for people of the Muslim faith. Mosques can either be small, private ones or large, public ones. They are a place where Muslims can come together in mass salat (prayer). Almost all mosques have elaborate domes, minarets, and large prayer halls.

Similarities and Differences

Mosques and Churches are similar in several ways. Both are houses of worship and prayer. They differ in architectural design and decoration. Men and women get dressed up and worship together in churches, while in mosques men and woman worship in separate rooms and woman are dressed modestly. Churches are filled with the sound of preaching while Mosques are normally silent save for the sound of murmured prayers.

Al-Kadhimiya Mosque

The Al-Kadhimiya* Mosque is located in Baghdad, Iraq. The Al-Kadhimiya Mosque has several arches both decorative and architectural. The Al-Kadhimiya design also incorporates two large domes, four minarets, pillars, a chandelier, and lots of right angles. All of the arches are decorated in bright colors, such as blues, yellows, golds, pinks, etc., mosaics, and with intricate flora designs.

Front of the Al-Kadhimiya Mosque at Night

Close-up of one of the arches

*is also spelled as Al-Kadhimain


Image Sources:
http://aljanjafi.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/1_512018_1_34.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/ef/Al-Khadhumain_shrine_in_baghdad.jpg
http://www.mcceastbay.org/img/baghdad-al-kadhimain-mosque-tiles-jan-oberg.jpg

Works Cited:
"Al Kadhimiya Mosque." Wikipedia. Web. 2 Sept. 2009. .
"Mosque." Wikipedia. Web. 2 Sept. 2009.
"Mosque vs. Churches." Topix. 14 Nov. 2007. Web. 2 Sept. 2009. .

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